Revision 22-3; Effective Dec. 1, 2022

The Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) is a home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver program authorized under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act. The state delivers MDCP Section1915(c) services through the STAR Kids managed care program authorized under the Section 1115 Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program Demonstration. The exception is the children in state conservatorship who receive their MDCP Section 1915(c) services through the STAR Health managed care program. MDCP provides respite, flexible family support services, minor home modifications, adaptive aids, transition assistance services, employment assistance, supported employment and financial management services through a STAR Kids managed care organization (MCO). This section provides an overview of MDCP, including its eligibility requirements.

1410 MDCP Program Goal

Revision 22-3; Effective Dec. 1, 2022

The goal of the Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) is to support families caring for children and young adults 20 and younger who are medically dependent, and to encourage de-institutionalization of children and young adults who reside in nursing facilities (NFs).

MDCP accomplishes this goal by:

  • enabling children and young adults who are medically dependent to remain safely in their homes;
  • offering cost-effective alternatives to placement in NFs and hospitals; and
  • supporting families in the role as the primary caregiver for their children and young adults who are medically dependent.